Tim Horton's Waterdown Franchise Owners Look Back

Flamborough franchise owners are gearing up for Tim Hortons 50th anniversary this weekend.

Clappison's Corners Tim Hortons owner Gina Piano said the store will have t-shirts and a donut birthday cake all day long May 17.

Piano, who has been a part of the Tim Hortons' family for 30 years, having owned the store with her husband John since 1984, said the celebration is exciting for everyone in the company.

She added the Clappison's business, which now includes her son Matt, has employed a lot of people over the years.

"Now I see them and they're married and have little kids," she said. "Young guys that used to hang out here, now they come in with little kids." Stephanie Rullo, a franchisee whose family owns four Tim Hortons' locations, including three in Waterdown - the Parkside and Hamilton Street location, the Sobeys plaza store, and the double drive thru location near Evans Road "" said her parents opened their first store in 1987.

Rullo added the store will have t-shirts and balloons to celebrate the opening of the first Tim Hortons' in Hamilton 50 years ago.

She noted the store will also have free donuts for everyone who comes into the store on the Saturday.

Rullo added the business has helped out the community over the years, including with donations to the Waterdown YMCA.

Rullo added the numerous locations have also employed a number of St. Mary and Watedown District High School students. "A lot of Waterdown moms, too," Rullo said.